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Great Barington postpones $500,000 liability reserve amid litigation; approves $200,000 stabilization transfer for procurement review
Summary
Voters moved to indefinitely postpone Article 2, which would have set aside up to $500,000 for potential liabilities from the 2024 street reconstruction; the meeting then approved Article 3, a $200,000 transfer from the stabilization fund to pay legal and consultant costs for procurement and litigation review. Debate centered on transparency of a pending contractor suit and the limits executive-session litigation places on public disclosure.
The meeting split two closely related procurement items: Article 2 — a proposed $500,000 free-cash set‑aside for potential liabilities tied to the 2024 street-reconstruction project — was moved to be postponed indefinitely by the select board and was approved for postponement after prolonged public comment. Several residents demanded disclosure of pending litigation and said postponement would avoid immediate public airing of important questions; town counsel and officials said ongoing litigation and executive-session matters constrained what could be disclosed in a public forum.
After the postponement vote, voters considered Article 3, which authorizes a $200,000 transfer from the town’s stabilization fund to pay consultants, legal fees and related expert work to examine procurement procedures and capital-project claims. Finance committee members explained the difference in funding sources between the two articles: Article 3 draws from stabilization funds (intended for one-time, extraordinary needs) rather than free cash. The transfer passed by the required two-thirds majority.
Residents and finance committee members urged thorough follow-up and eventual public reporting once litigation constraints allow. Town counsel stated the town has filed an answer denying contractor claims and that the matter remains in active litigation; officials cautioned they cannot forecast the litigation outcome.
The transcript shows strong public interest and multiple requests for additional documentation; meeting participants cited a recently released audit and press coverage in explaining public concern. The postponement defers votes on reserving cash for possible liabilities while the stabilization transfer funds the town’s immediate capacity to pursue investigation and legal processes.
